Eczema in Babies: Caused by Soap or Detergent Residue?
Here’s a tidbit I found in my research folder on eczema in babies… One big cause of eczema in babies is simply what their skin comes in contact with. And the major portion of this would be the residue left behind by virtually all laundry cleaning agents, including even hypo-allergenic products.
The soap or detergent you use to wash everything that comes into contact with your baby – your clothing, your baby’s clothing, sleepers, pajamas, socks, mittens, bedding, cloth diapers and diaper covers, bibs, receiving blankets, washcloths, towels, DISHES, CUPS, FOOD CONTAINERS, FOOD PRODUCTS (many foods are washed in detergents, even eggs and milk, which explains why some people seem to be allergic to everything they eat!), anything and everything – must be “detergent residue free,” a claim that very, very few products can make. Hypo-allergenic is not the same as “detergent residue free.” Read labels carefully.
Try Puraderm and see if it makes a difference to your child’s eczema. Be patient; it will take a few washings to get rid of the residue from previously used laundry products. They have a sample package of their laundry detergent, shampoo and eczema cream for $5. (The eczema cream also works great for chronic dry lips. Better than anything else I have tried!)
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We all know that our environment is filled with more chemicals than ever before, but you can do something about this. It may not be the complete answer, but it’s a big step in the right direction. Remember, eczema in babies can be prevented AND treated… without drugs. This might just be one piece of the puzzle for your baby.
Possible Signs of Detergent Sensitivity
If you’re wondering if your child might be sensitive to detergent, A.J. Lumsdaine lists these signs to consider:
- Your child’s eczema begins when he is an infant.
- The eczema appears more where there is sweating or moisture.
- One or both parents have skin problems, eczema or asthma.
- He gets eczema all over, but you use disposable diapers and the diaper area is relatively clear of eczema.
- His eczema changes noticeably, either for better or worse, following a bath or shower.
- His eczema sometimes seems to fluctuate wildly from day to day.
- Washing just with water can sometimes cause an outbreak.
- He gets particularly bad eczema on his cheeks or chin where he rests it on your shoulder or against your hair when you hold him. (This explains why babies often have eczema on their faces, even when you eliminate detergent in their clothing!)
- His eczema is worse on exposed skin, especially as he crawls around during the day.
- His eczema does seem related to what you are using to wash him or the laundry with, but switching products has never made it go away.
References:
- It’s not enough to stop using detergent! (A.J. Lumsdaine had to change to pure soap even for the dishwasher, and change the whole family’s shampoo before her baby recovered from severe eczema. Amazing information in this article.)
